Common cup 

Dear Friends in Christ,

Starting on Christmas Eve, Saint Philip’s will return to its pre-Pandemic practice at the Communion, allowing congregants to drink from the Common Cup. Of course, there will still be an option for parishioners to receive an intincted host (further explanation below). But this will allow a great many parishioners who have missed the Common Cup to return to what is for them an important spiritual practice.

In doing so, we return to the standard practice of this parish, of the Diocese, and of the Episcopal Church at large.

What will happen at the rail? As you kneel at the rail, the priest will put the Host on you palm. You can either: 1). eat the Host and then drink directly from the Common Cup, or 2). you can hold the Host, and the Eucharistic Minister will intinct it for you, and return it to your hand as we do now. Gluten free hosts (and wine) will still be available.

Below, you will find a longer document explaining the theological importance of returning to this practice and some answers to common questions and concerns.

If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact me directly at matthew.reese@stphilipstucson.org

Yours in Christ,

—Fr Matthew